Calls for Special Courts to Tackle Political Corruption in Spain

On September 14, 2025, Spain's Prosecutor's Office announced its proposal for the establishment of specialized courts aimed at combating political corruption more effectively. This initiative underscores the rising concerns regarding corrupt practices within the political arena and aims to enhance judicial efficiency in addressing these issues. The proposed courts would focus exclusively on corruption cases, ensuring that such matters receive the dedicated attention they require, which proponents argue could lead to more robust legal proceedings against corrupt politicians.

The urgency for this reform comes in the wake of persistent political corruption scandals that have plagued various administrations in Spain. According to sources from the Prosecutor’s Office, these specialized tribunals have the potential to streamline case management and facilitate more decisive actions against graft in politics. The office highlighted that by concentrating resources and expertise on corruption, the courts could better uphold justice and public confidence in institutional integrity.

In conjunction with this proposal, criticisms have emerged regarding current judicial figures and their perceived involvement in political matters. Politician Óscar Puente criticized judges like Hurtado and Peinado, labeling them as instances of judges who engage in political conduct rather than adhering strictly to their judicial responsibilities. Puente argues that such actions compromise the independence of the judiciary and undermine public trust.

These developments indicate a significant shift in how Spain is approaching judicial politics, with both the push for reform in handling corruption cases and the scrutiny of judicial figures signaling a heightened awareness of the intersection between law and politics in the country. As these discussions unfold, the feasibility and implications of specialized courts in Spain will be closely monitored.